November 2018 Issue

The New Localism: How to use an entrepreneurial mindset to help Grand Traverse reach its full potential

By Casey Cowell

There is a new dynamic defining what it means to be “local." In their book "The New Localism," Bruce Katz and Jeremy Nowak explain how locally driven economic development organizations and efforts are having great impact on cities. We can all learn how to help our region reach its full potential when we tap into an entrepreneurial mindset.

Katz and Nowak's underlying premise states that federal and state governments are increasingly ineffective. Federal funds get spent on entitlement programs – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – as well as paying on our national debt. This means less fiscal freedom for …

NMC and Rotary Charities Team Up for Nonprofits: College now hosts classes previously offered by NorthSky

By Amy Lane

Top: Laura Matchett, Joey DiFranco and Amanda Kik. Bottom: Becky Ewing and Evan Gray.

New learning opportunities could be in store for area nonprofits, under a partnership between Northwestern Michigan College and Rotary Charities of Traverse City.

The college is now in charge of technical and operational nonprofit classes previously offered by Rotary’s NorthSky Nonprofit Network, an arrangement that began this fall.

“The two most important things, whether offered by NorthSky or NorthSky at NMC, …

TC's National Healthcare Disruptor: HealthBridge Aims to Simplify Employer-Sponsored Healthcare

By Craig Manning

Clockwise: Tim Heger, Greg VandenBosch and Amy Chambers

For some, a single medical crisis can spawn a financial burden that's not only crushing, but confusing.

HealthBridge hopes to end that confusion for those with high deductible employer-sponsored healthcare.

This January, the Grand Rapids- and Traverse City-based service plans to redefine the way employer-sponsored health insurance plans work, said Amy Chambers, chief operating officer.

“We’re trying to reimagine the way the healthcare ecosystem addresses the growing …

Making Wishes Come True: Annual list highlights what nonprofits really need and how to help

By Lynn Geiger

Making wishes is fun. Having them come true is even better. The TCBN hopes to grant at least a few wishes this season with its annual Nonprofit Wish List. We ask several area nonprofits representing a range of missions for some of their wishes as the end of the year approaches. The only caveat? No wishes for cash allowed.

Read on to learn more about each of these nonprofits and what they would love to …

Local Utilities Shun Coal, Promote Renewable Energy

Coal has become a dirty word to the four electric utilities that serve the pristine Grand Traverse region.

Traverse City Light & Power, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative and Consumers Energy all are touting plans to reduce or eliminate their dependence on fossil fuel to lower carbon emissions.

…

By Rick Haglund

New Hazardous Drug Regs: 'Sweeping changes' coming in 2019

Before the advent of mass drug manufacturing, prescriptions were mixed – or compounded – by the hometown pharmacist.

While this old school service still exists for special cases – like medicinal allergies, or cheaper versions of hormonal creams – new regulations could price local pharmacies out of the practice altogether.

…

By Molly Korroch

A Whole New Ballgame

The story of John and Leslye Wuerfel was like was the unforgettable line from the cult classic baseball movie, Field of Dreams: "If you build it, will come."

The entertainment scene in the Grand Traverse region was dramatically altered – for the better – more than a dozen years ago …

By Doug Luciani

Mergers and Acquisitions Boom in Northern Michigan: Who’s buying, who’s selling and why?

According to data from Thomson Reuters, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) hit an all-time global high during the first half of 2018 at $2.5 trillion. The United States alone tallied $1.03 trillion.

Northern Michigan has had its own trend this past year. The Grand Traverse area has seen major M&A deals …

By Craig Manning

Two Robots Working Daily at Munson, Third Coming Soon? System enables more minimally invasive surgeries

Not so long ago, the idea of robotic surgery would have seemed alien. Today, though, there are two robotic surgical machines right here in Traverse City, and Munson Medical Center wants to add a third.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a $2 million piece of hardware manufactured by a …

By Craig Manning

Biederman, Oleson and Schmuckal: More than just names on a building

Long before their names were on plaques and buildings, Jerry Oleson, Les Biederman and Art Schmuckal and their families started businesses, raised children and volunteered often.

Today, their descendants lead philanthropic efforts and family foundations that continue to support the causes and community they loved.

“My most indelible memory of …

By Mary Bevans Gillett

Great at Work: How Top Performers Do Less, Work Better, and Achieve More

Reviewed by Chris Wendel

320 pages; published by Simon & Shuster, January 2018

Hardcover $30, softcover $15, E-read edition $15, audio book version $21

By Morten T. Hansen

In a Nutshell: With his thorough exhaustive research, the co-author of “Great by Choice” identifies the traits that allow all of …

By Chris Wendel

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